Chapter 10: Chapter 10

We get to the venue later in the evening. The trip was stressful but fun. With Faith, Edna, and I singing some road trip songs and the rest of the class joining in. Then Nathaniel and Victor telling us about their different Boarding school experiences.

Then doing sing-alongs with the songs from the radio and then mashups.

I'm sure from outside,  we looked like a bunch of lunatics going to a rehabilitation center. Cause we were just shouting and laughing.

It was a lot of fun and to be honest... I did pay a lot of attention to Victor during the trip and Nathaniel was all out to make sure I was comfortable and having fun.

Would you believe we had a food fight at a restaurant where we stopped to eat? Nathaniel and I started it actually.....

There was ketchup on my face and when Nathaniel used his hand to clean it... He accidentally ended up replacing the ketchup with oil and when I wanted to pay back, I accidentally sprayed Edna with the ketchup instead. And then when Edna wanted to retaliate...I dodged the glass of water she poured at me and It poured on Silvia who was behind me but backing us.

And when Silvia turned... She emptied her bottle of Coke on Faith and BOOM!! The biggest food fight I have ever seen happened.

Just picture it... 36 students having a food fight in a restaurant... And our juniors just watching us... Yup... That's how insane my class is.

Well, the bus driver/school had to pay extra for the mess we made and we all had to change our clothes... Yh... What a trip.

It took not less than an hour for the organizers to fix us into our different rooms.

The room Faith, Edna, and I got is huge and beautiful. It is perfect. After a little chit-chat that lasts for about thirty minutes... We all sprawl into our various beds and soon after that, we were all in dreamland.

The next day is for tryouts in our various classes. In the hip hop class, we took turns dancing. I tell the teachers that I can not dance and only joined to learn but they still compelled me to dance...

They play Rado Style by Rado Lee... The song has a very good and fast beat. Although I have no idea what the musician is singing,  I just focus on the beat. The only thing I can do well that matches the song is leg work.

I do a lot of leg works that I can. From... Poko... To... Cupe... To... Teshumole... To... Reverse and a whole bunch of others that I don't know the names...

Well, I am sure I just did trash till I turn back to the amazed crowd. I am glad I could do this and did not embarrass myself... As usual.

My friends only know me for twerking and twisting..... Basically, anything that involves the waist when it comes to dancing. My waist is my biggest asset so they were expecting me to twerk or something... But I chose to do something else and I'm glad I did it well.

After a few blunders from other people, Victor is called upon. The teachers play Spell Buhari By Paul Cleverlee. Victor's dance move takes me to a whole new level of admiration. He is doing leg works that I have never seen... But love... And he does the ones I did but better.

After Victor comes Nathaniel and they play. Soapy By Naira Marley for him. I am beyond excited as I am about to see Nathaniel dance for the first time.

Yh... Nathaniel totally breaks my heart with his presentation and practically leaves the whole class including the teachers dumbfounded...

I mean... He tried to breakdance to SOAPY...Who does that?!

I am perplexed by his dance moves and lack of dancing skills. For someone so tall,  handsome, and well built... you'd think he knows how to dance..but...

I find Victor staring at me. Trying to asserting if I am watching the blunder Nathaniel is performing and trying to make me see he is a better dancer than Nathaniel.

When Nathaniel is done with... Whatever you would call that... Cause it's not dancing, he looks at me and he is laughing! For some reason, I feel he knows what he just did and did it deliberately.

After a few more performances, the class is over and for some reason,  Nathaniel stays back with the teachers. Maybe to beg to remain a member of the class cause if one can't dance, they would most likely be swapped with a student from another class who can.

The teachers hand me a key and inform me that I am one of the class captains and that the key is the one that leads to the camp's display hall.

I am so happy and excited although l don't know who the second captain would be.

As I am walking away from the block toward my hostel, I hear someone call my name. When I turn around, I see Dina. She is running and trying to catch up with me. I begin to walk faster as I do not want to talk to her.

However, she catches up with me and drags me to a corner;

"Girl, what's up with you?" She scolds.

"I could ask you the same thing" I spit at her.

"Look, I know we are not on good terms right now... But I've got something really important to tell you and you've got to hear me out."

"Yes we are not on talking terms and who are you to tell me what I have to listen to??! "

"Jade it's for your good ... Let me speak."  The sincerity in her voice is prominent but still unbelievable to me.

"And why should I trust you?!! "I ask her.

"For old times sake!! "She shouts while looking into my eyes.

I let out a chuckle and then I become dead serious... I walk towards her and minimize the space between us... I look into her eyes so my words would pierce her heart;

"Old times... Was a very long time ago... When I had a best friend I could pour my heart out to... My pal... My friend that I knew I would always be there for. Old times were when there was JAINA... When I was still alright cause I knew... If the whole class hated me because of Kora and Silvia... I had a friend that understood me..... Well, guess what... Those times are all fucking long gone!!!. Why??!. Cause that friend chose to stab me in the back and go hang around with the one person I loathe the most in this world!!! ...... "

She is now looking at the floor and I know my words are having my desired effect.

" 'My good' "I mimicking half laughing.

"Did you ever consider what was good for me when you went about revealing all my secrets to Silvia?

When you gossiped me and laughed at the crude remarks Silvia and those Hausa girls made about me?

And now all of a sudden, you are concerned about what is good for me? You were the one person in that class that knew me, understood me,  knew everything. But no! You chose to be as inhuman as can be towards me. Why Dina... Why? "

She doesn't reply nor looks at me. I feel tears form in my eyes as I speak but I won't stop.

"Silvia was trying to get close to you in JSS3 and when you asked me to give her a chance... I did.

I believed we were a trio. Three good friends, but just like that... You guys shut me out. Do you know what it feels like to be an outcast? well, that's how  I felt.

every single soul in that class was against me and my only support dumped me! You dumped me!

You were the only one that knew Kora was a fucking backstabber and all the things she said about me were lies, but you kept shut!

You knew Silvia despite all her smiles never liked me or meant well for me... But you still kept shut. You knew Silvia was deliberately spreading lies about me to Mohammed and you still kept shut! You fucking kept shut! "

I am crying now.

"And now she is doing the same thing with Victor and you are part of them. You are keeping shut and now you want to tell me something?

I'd advise you to remain shut and keep that mouth of yours from talking to me. Cause it did not talk when I needed it to." I warn

She has not raised her head in the past one minute and I hope my words hurt her as much as I want them to.

"I don't need you anymore Dina. You can follow Silvia for the rest of your life cause guess what?  I don't give a  hoot! I have Faith now. She is a loyal friend... A friend you could be but refused to be"

I am crying and I don't want to stay here anymore. I walk past Dina and stop when I am behind her. I turn back as I have one last message to pass.

"And Dina... F*CK YOU!"

She looks up at me in shock and she is also crying. I don't care how much I have hurt her. I just hope I have hurt her deep enough.

I honestly can't hurt her well enough for what she and Silvia have done to me.

As I am walking towards the hostel,  I see Faith, Edna, Silvia, Victor, Ayo, Emerald, and Anthony on the basketball court. Edan sights me and calls me to join them.

"We were about to play a game... Wanna join? "Edna informs and questions

"Sure... What's the game about?"  I reply as I take a seat beside Faith.

"It's quite simple. All you have to do is pick two people you want to seat between... And then we all seat in a circle. "

"Okay? "I reply

"And then you receive a slap on the palm from the person before you which you pass to the palm of the person after you. The first person to shout or show any sign of pain is out" Edna finishes

"Wow" I reply while laughing

"The name of the game is OUCH! So pick your partners wisely" she adds

I survey the situation and I decide to seat between Victor and Faith. As I know Victor would not slap me hard and I won't slap Faith hardly either.

"Just what I was expecting..." Anthony's annoying pip-squeak voice mutters aloud.

"What did you say? " I question with much annoyance and authority in my voice.

"Nothing!" he replies.

Anthony is one of the ugliest and skinniest creatures I have ever laid eyes on. Yet he goes around like he's some kind of boss and enjoys claiming to be what he is not.

I know I should let it go but the anger in my system from speaking to Dina a few minutes ago is still in me and that statement of his ignited it.

"Coward! I heard you. Now repeat  yourself!" I command.

" I am a coward? Well,  I said just like I expected. You sat right beside Victor... You can't help but push yourself on boys, can you?

You are always everywhere he is. You did not learn a lesson from Mohammed's case, right? Don't you get that no one wants you around? " He screams in my face.

I am heartbroken... And feel a sudden surge of anger flow through my veins. My hand reacts faster than my brain and before I know it, Anthony had stumbled over the seats behind him and onto the floor.

I slapped him...

I never know I had that much strength.

I walk towards him and I stand over his skinny, shivering body. I fold my hands and it's my turn to talk.

"You, my friend are one big idiot. You do not know how to pass a simple test and yet you can get yourself involved in other people's business?

'No one wants me around' Boy look around... You're a pip-squeak. You match up to nobody here.

From intellect to societal class, to way of life!

A low life like you has no right to talk about me, and as for Mohammed... I learned a lot from him. However, you learned more from Silvia and Dina when they broke your smelly heart.

You also learnt much More from Eleanor when she publicly told you no and you went to cry in the boy's toilet.

Before you point your bent fingers at my life. Try to straighten your crooked one first!"

Everyone around is dazed. I leave Anthony without a single comeback for me.

I grab my bag and head for the hostel. Faith and Edna want to follow me but I tell them not to.

I look at Victor in disappointment. I had expected him to defend me, but he just sat there. What a friend!

Well, my other classes go smoothly. Turns out Nathaniel is very good at singing. Makes up for his lack of dancing skills.

Nathaniel and I go out in the evening to get something to eat. Then I see Victor, Silvia, Emerald, Ayo, and Anthony and as currently usual, Dina is not with them.

Victor grabs my hand and pulls me away from Nathaniel.

"What the hell? " Nathaniel barks

"I just want to talk to her. " Victor says equally yelling.

These two boys do not like each other... But the question is... Why?

Nathaniel makes to follow us but Victor blocks him with his hand;

"In private," Victor adds speaking through his teeth.

Nathaniel is reluctant. He looks at me as if seeking permission to go. I slightly nod my head In approval and he nods.

He gives Victor one last look then back at me before turning and walking away.

Victors gang... Silvia, Emerald, Ayo, and the rest of them stand still and they just watch as Victor drags me by wrist towards the football field.

The calm and satisfactory look on Silvias face gives me the creeps and makes me not so sure If I want to listen to what Victor has to say to me.

I feel like Silvia contrived this whole scenario and I silently pray not.

The football field looks very beautiful at night. Especially when it is wet. The street lights that have been put in place in this huge camp to help students find their way in the night reflect on the field and it gives it a unique orange glow.

For a minute I am lost in thought as I am taking in the beauty of the field and I forget who and what brought me here.

I do not return to reality until victor clears his throat.

"Oh... Sorry... Kinda drifted off." I apologize

"Yeah... No p" he replies.

he does not look as scared or shy as the last time. It looks like he can not wait to get whatever this is, over and done with.

"So I want to ask you something. "he announces

" I'm all ears then " I reply with a smile.

He suddenly looks very serious and I feel tension in the air.

"Do you... " he is cut off by the song  Why By Rema.  It's my ringtone. I look at the screen of my phone and it's Faith who's calling.

I hit the ignore button.

"Sorry" I reply and the phone begins to rings again. I simply reduce the volume this time.

One can still hear it but It's not loud enough to interrupt one's conversation.

"Don't you want to pick that? " he questions.

"No. The caller can wait." I reply

"Okay. " He replies and then licks his lips and runs his fingers through his hair. An act I could give anything to see again.

"Jade..." He begins and I can feel a tingle in my heart as he calls my name. It's only a matter of time till my knees turn to jelly.

"I want you to answer this question with all sincerity. " He says looking at the space behind me.

"Alright," I reply. Faith had not stopped calling. What could be so important?

He looks into my eyes suddenly and I almost collapse. My heart misses a few beats but soon starts beating again.

"Do you like me? "He finally asks.

I almost choke on my saliva.

What? What the hell? How does he expect me to answer that? What do I do? What do I say? How do I get out of this?

Oh, Lord... This is bad... I can't say yes... But I can't say no... This is a dead-end... What now?

I am having an intra-conflict with myself. What to do? Before I can stop myself, the words;

"Yes." Sneak past my lip. I use my hands to cover my mouth as if that would make him unhear my confession.

Ugh!  Why did I admit that?

Victor smirks. I have to do something.

"I... I..." I start to stutter.

"It's okay," Victor says looking into my eyes.

I look away as I feel uncomfortable and angry at myself for blowing my cover so easily.

"Jade look... I don't like you" He says and I swear I feel my heart stop.

I don't look up at him. I can hear my heart beating ever so loudly. So loud,  I wonder if he can hear it too. I feel tears form in my eyes... But NO!

I will not cry... Not this time... Not in front of him... I do my best to keep myself from crying. I dig my nails into the flesh of my palm and keep my fist tightened as I bite my lower lip.

" It's not your fault Jade." He continues.

"It's me... I don't have it in me to like any girl. So hence I don't like you, and if I ever tell you I do... Just know I am lying. I am sorry Jade. "He finishes.

I hold back my tears. I am pretty sure my eyes are glossy but due to the darkness, he may not be able to see it. I pray my voice is not hoarse as I'm about to speak. I can't bear this embarrassment.

"Hello? It's okay. I like you but I never said we should date. It's okay if you do not like me back... Like, ain't love bro. " I say in a tune that is much calmer and smoother than I expected.

His eyes widen at my reply. He probably feels he has not gotten his desired effect, but he quickly recovers from it.

"Okay. " He Simply replies

And I give the fakest smile imaginable.

I stand still as I watch him walk off. He soon blends into the darkness as his black hood is welcomed by it.

Faith is still calling. Funny thing Is,  the boy I have been swooning over,  just crushed my heart, my phone is ringing and my Ringtone Is  Why By Rema! His words are abrasive to my ego and mood.

I crash on the bench beside me and cover my face with my palms as my tears flow like an endless river.

After about five minutes, I pick up my phone and see;

8 missed calls from Faith

6 missed calls from Edna and

4 missed calls from Nathaniel...

Yo. It's Aider again :-D

Really cruel moment for Jade there :-( .

Could this be what Dina wanted to tell her? Who knows?

Let's see how Jade handles this In the next chapters.

Till then... Your votes and comment are highly highly needed....

Also, sorry for the incredibly long chapter.

XOXO Aider